Ruan Collection

Chinese woman playing a Ruan (note the Western influence in her choice of footwear!). Date: circa 1910s

Cabin boy Ah-Fook on board the SS Knivsberg 1898. Creator: Christian Wilhelm Allers
Cabin boy Ah-Fook on board the Knivsberg, 1898. Portrait of a Chinese crew member from Canton on the German ship SS Knivsberg, travelling through the Gulf of Siam. Ah-Fook aus Canton, Cabin boy

FRANCE. Paris. Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Paris International Exposition (1937). Meeting of the lehendakari Jose Antonio Aguirre (front of the table)

Ruan Pienaa, Ben Morgan England V South Africa England V South Africa Twickenham, London, England 24 November 2012 QBE INTERNATIONALS 24/11/2012 Date: 24 November 2012

Riki Flutey, Ruan Pienaar, Victor Matfield England V South Africa England V South Africa, Investec Challenge Twickenham, Middlesex, England 22 November 2008 Date: 22 November 2008

Ruan Pienaar, Nick Easter & Lee Mears
Ruan Pienaar, Nick Easter and Lee Mears England V South Africa England V South Africa, Investec Challenge Twickenham, Middlesex, England 22 November 2008 Date: 22 November 2008

Ugo Monye & Ruan Pienaar
Ugo Monye and Ruan Pienaar England V South Africa England V South Africa, Investec Challenge Twickenham, Middlesex, England 22 November 2008 Date: 22 November 2008

Ruan Pienaar & Andrew Sheridan England V South Africa Rugby Union England V South Africa Rugby UnionInvestec International Twickenham, Middlesex, England 27 November 2010 Date: 27 November 2010

Ruan Pienaar South Africa Saracens V South Africa Wembley, London, England 17 November 2009 SARACENS V SOUTH AFRICA Date: 17 November 2009

Female musicians with traditional Chinese musical instruments in Hong Kong, c
KDC384123 Female musicians with traditional Chinese musical instruments in Hong Kong, c.1885 (b/w photo) by Lai Afong (c.1840-1900); Private Collection; (add.info.: The instruments used are L to R)

Portrait of the Artists Great-Granduncle Yizhai at the Age of Eighty-Five... (1561 or 1621?)
Portrait of the Artists Great-Granduncle Yizhai at the Age of Eighty-Five, dated " xinyou" (1561 or 1621?)

Portrait of an Old Lady, dated xinyou (1561 or 1621?). Creator: Ruan Zude
Portrait of an Old Lady, dated " xinyou" (1561 or 1621?)

Gothic art. 15th Century. Outline of the Barcelona Cathedral
Gothic art. 15th C. Outline of the Barcelona Cathedral door by Master Carli (Carles Galtes de Ruan). Capitular archive. Barcelona. Spain

Spain. Andalusia. Seville. Gothic Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede) built between 1401-1507

Capture of Ruan in 1419 during Hundred Years
" Capture of Ruan in 1419 during Hundred Years War by Henry V of England. Illustration from " Grandes Chroniques de France" (15th century). Gothic art. Miniature Painting. FRANCE

FRANCE. Paris. Paris International Exhibition (1937). Building of the Spanish Pavilion, designed by Josep Llu� Sert and Luis Lacasa. The works on 23rd May. Photo by Roness-Ruan. SPAIN

Paris International Exhibition (1937). Building

A Quaker letter to Lincoln, words by Elmer Ru?Coates, mus A Quaker letter to Lincoln, words by Elmer Ru
A Quaker letter to Lincoln, words by Elmer Ruan Coates, music by E.M. Bruce. Date c1863 May 9

Cambodia - Traditional musicians at Phnom Penh. Instruments pictured include the tro khmer (played with a bow), hand cymbals, Khhim (flat Zither-like instrument) and Ruan (small round guitar/lute)

St Ruans Well - 2
Holy Well of St Ruan, The Lizard, Cornwall 2 of 2

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Ruan, a name that echoes through time and continents, symbolizes the remarkable journey of a Chinese woman playing the Ruan in Paris during the Spanish Civil War. In 1936-1939, amidst the chaos and turmoil of war-torn France, her music became an oasis of tranquility. As she strummed the strings of her Ruan, its melodic notes intertwined with the cries and whispers of history. The instrument's delicate sound resonated with emotions buried deep within souls longing for peace. But this tale stretches further back in time. It harks back to 1898 when Ah-Fook, a cabin boy on board SS Knivsberg, sailed across vast oceans carrying stories from distant lands. Little did he know that his voyage would connect him to Ruan Pienaa and Ben Morgan years later. Fast forward to more recent times; names like Riki Flutey, Victor Matfield, Nick Easter & Lee Mears joined forces with Ruan Pienaar on fields where rugby battles were fought fiercely but respectfully. Their shared passion transcended borders as they united under one banner - sportsmanship. Yet beyond sporting arenas lies another realm where Ugo Monye & Andrew Sheridan found themselves entwined with Ruan Pienaar's world. Together they discovered harmony not only in their respective crafts but also in their shared humanity. And so we return to our enigmatic protagonist - Ruan Pienaar herself. Her name reverberates through generations as she carries forth traditions passed down by female musicians wielding traditional Chinese instruments in Hong Kong centuries ago. In this intricate tapestry woven by time itself emerges a portrait capturing Yizhai at eighty-five years old – an ancestor whose legacy lives on through countless descendants including our mysterious musician named Ruan. Across continents and eras, these fragments come together forming a captivating narrative that reminds us how artistry can transcend boundaries while connecting hearts across the ages.